CH 5 Buddhism and Jainism in Early Historic India

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and ideologies related to the rise of Buddhism and Jainism, their socio-economic impacts, and their interrelations with Brahmanical traditions.

How did the rise of Buddhism and Jainism signify a critique of Vedic ritualism?

Rejected caste, yajnas, and Brahmanical control; emphasized personal salvation and ethical conduct.

What socio-economic factors contributed to the emergence of Buddhism and Jainism?

Urbanisation, rise of trading communities, and dissatisfaction with rigid varna hierarchy.

Why is the 6th century BCE often called a 'Second Urbanisation' in Indian history?

Saw emergence of cities, craft production, coinage, and market exchange across Ganga valley.

How did Mahajanapadas represent political transformation in early historic India?

Large territorial states replaced tribal polities, enabling tax collection and standing armies.

Why were Shramanic traditions more appealing to urban and merchant classes?

Emphasized self-discipline, ethical living, and personal salvation — without priestly mediation.

How does the Ajivika sect differ from Buddhism and Jainism in its philosophy?

Believed in absolute determinism (niyati), denying free will and moral causality.

What does the use of Prakrit and Pali in early religious texts signify socially?

Reflected accessibility, mass appeal, and rejection of Sanskrit elitism.

Why is Sanchi Stupa considered a political as well as religious monument?

Sponsored by rulers; expressed imperial support for Buddhism and visual propaganda.

How did Buddhist sanghas function both spiritually and economically?

Religious institutions and landowners; received donations, engaged in economic exchange.

What ideological principle made Jainism rigid in ascetic practice?

Emphasis on ahimsa to the extreme — rejecting clothing, agriculture, and even speech in some cases.

How did Ashoka’s patronage transform Buddhism into a transregional movement?

Sponsored missions, stupas, and inscriptions; helped spread Buddhism beyond India.

What made the Vajji confederacy politically distinct among Mahajanapadas?

Followed republican model with shared decision-making among clans.

Why did Buddhism split into different schools like Mahayana and Hinayana?

Disagreements over doctrine, role of Bodhisattvas, and inclusion of laypeople.

How did Jain monks’ rejection of agriculture affect their social mobility?

Limited them to urban support networks due to strict non-violence codes.

What role did relic worship play in the popularisation of Buddhism?

Enabled devotional engagement by masses; stupas became pilgrimage centres.

Why was the 4-fold Sangha important to Buddhist expansion?

Included monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen — ensured community-based religious life.

How did Upanishadic philosophy differ from earlier Brahmanical thought?

Shifted from external ritual to internalised spiritual quest for Atman-Brahman unity.

How do the Four Noble Truths encapsulate the Buddhist view of life?

Life is suffering; caused by desire; cessation is possible; path lies in Eightfold Way.

What made Buddhism more adaptable to local cultures across Asia?

Flexible practices, localised iconography, and absence of rigid caste boundaries.

What distinguishes Jain concept of Karma from Buddhist interpretation?

Jain karma is a material substance binding soul; Buddhism treats it as ethical causality.

How did stupas evolve as political-religious tools in post-Mauryan period?

Sponsored by elites, depicted Jataka tales, legitimised both rulers and Buddhism.

What function did monasteries (viharas) serve along trade routes?

Acted as rest stops for merchants and travellers; enabled wealth accumulation.

Why were traders inclined to support Buddhist monastic institutions?

Received blessings, protection, and gained social legitimacy.

How did the concept of Tirthankaras differentiate Jainism from Buddhism?

Tirthankaras are 24 perfect teachers; Jainism lacks a singular founder like the Buddha.

Why were councils convened in early Buddhism?

To compile texts, resolve doctrinal disputes, and maintain Sangha discipline.

How does Buddhist art during Sunga period reflect syncretism?

Integrates indigenous motifs, local deities, and narrative storytelling.

Why was the Bhakti movement later seen as a revivalist response to Shramanic traditions?

Re-centred Vedic deities with emotional devotion, breaking priestly monopoly.

What administrative changes under Magadhan empires enabled religious growth?

Revenue surplus, royal patronage, infrastructure like roads and pillar inscriptions.

How did Jainism’s split into Digambara and Svetambara schools affect its spread?

Created doctrinal rigidity and regional variation; Digambaras more ascetic, Svetambaras more inclusive.

How did the Eightfold Path function as a secular ethic?

Offered a code of conduct applicable beyond religious belief — right action, thought, speech.

What evidence suggests Buddhism adapted to popular devotional needs?

Worship of Bodhisattvas, use of rituals, images, and temple structures.

How did Buddhism interact with Brahmanical traditions in early medieval India?

Faced competition; led to assimilation, debates, and gradual marginalisation.

What role did Emperor Ashoka play in standardising Dhamma?

Used edicts to propagate ethical norms, respect for elders, tolerance.

How did Buddhist and Jain narratives shape historical memory in local traditions?

Localised heroes, legends, and relic sites created enduring cultural roots.

What is the historical value of Buddhist textual canons like the Tripitaka?

Reflect institutional memory, doctrine, and cultural context of early Buddhism.

Why is Jain literature considered critical in reconstructing social history?

Provides insights into trade, caste, urban life, and regional practices.

How did Buddhist symbols (like lotus, wheel, lion) function in political messaging?

Conveyed ideals of purity, moral order, and royal power with religious sanction.

Why did Brahmanical resistance to Buddhism and Jainism intensify by Gupta period?

Political realignment with Vedic rituals; reassertion of caste and temple economy.

What made Nalanda a milestone in global Buddhist education?

Major residential university with international students and rich textual tradition.

How did renunciation serve as political resistance in Shramanic religions?

Refused state service, material wealth, and ritual dependency — asserting moral autonomy.

Why is the Ashokan Pillar at Sarnath significant historically?

Marks site of first sermon; symbol of imperial-Buddhist connection; national emblem.

How did oral transmission shape early Buddhist and Jain texts?

Flexible preservation, community memorisation, but also textual variations.

Why is the Jain principle of Anekantavada philosophically distinct?

Emphasizes pluralism — truth is multifaceted and relative to perspective.

What were the limitations of Buddhist influence despite royal patronage?

Limited to urban areas, slow rural penetration, and eventual resurgence of Brahmanism.

What made the Pataliputra region a crucible for religious innovation?

Political capital, trade hub, monastic centre, and diverse population.

How did stupas symbolise both absence and presence of the Buddha?

Represented relics (absence) yet enabled visual focus and pilgrimage (presence).

What was the socio-political function of Ashoka’s dhamma-mahamattas?

Officials enforcing moral conduct, resolving disputes, and propagating king’s values.

How did women participate in the Shramanic movements?

As nuns, donors, and patrons — had greater access to spiritual roles than Vedic system.

Why were Buddhist councils key in preserving orthodoxy?

Prevented sectarian splits; compiled texts, resolved disputes, and legitimised leadership.

What does the coexistence of multiple sects in Sanchi and Mathura imply?

Indic religious life was plural, cohabitative, and regionally negotiated.